In early recovery—and even years down the road—routine can be a life raft. A daily structure helps to reduce uncertainty, manage emotions, and build habits that strengthen your sobriety. Creating intentional daily routines anchors you in a rhythm of healing and growth.

Triggers are an inevitable part of sobriety, whether you’re navigating a crowded party or sitting quietly at home. Building resilience against these triggers is key to sustaining long-term recovery. By understanding, preparing for, and compassionately responding to them, you strengthen your emotional muscles and protect your sobriety.

When we think of sobriety, we often think about stopping the use of alcohol or substances; however, emotional sobriety goes deeper that just not using. Emotional sobriety is the ability to handle any emotions that come up, good or bad, without turning to substances, unhealthy behaviors, or emotional extremes. It's about developing emotional balance, resilience, and self-awareness. When you have this skill, you can stay grounded and in a peaceful place, no matter what life might throw your way.

Recovery is a deeply personal journey that requires time, dedication, and a caring environment. For those navigating addiction, sobriety, chronic pain, or healing from trauma, retreats can be a transformative experience. Retreats offer a safe, welcoming, structured space to disconnect from daily stressors and focus on personal growth. There can be unparalleled opportunities for healing, renewal, and connections with others who understand so we can get the support we need in our journey.

One of my favorite practices is the Emotional Freedom Technique® (EFT®), sometimes referred to as "tapping." EFT® is a simple yet powerful method that combines the principles of ancient Chinese acupressure and modern psychology. By tapping on specific acupressure points while focusing on emotional distress, EFT® aims to restore balance to the body’s energy system and provide emotional relief.